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Guayabo National Monument

The archaeological digs at Guayabo National Monument are the largest in Costa Rica but have only uncovered an estimated 5% of the early community established by a civilization that spanned almost 2,500 years starting in 1000 BC.  Discovered in the 1800’s the site was mysteriously abandoned before the conquistadors arrived in the 1,400’s.

On the roundabout back route to Guayabo the sign says “Carretera en Mal Estado” (road in bad condition), and they aren’t kidding even a little.
Lagarto (alligator) petroglyph
Guayabo under construction shown in a model in the information center
Very well maintained trails allow exploration of the ruins at Guyabo. Starting out on sendero los monticulos to the left as you enter you will climb to the mirador for an overview of many of the constructions. The ruins trail winds through and around allowing close-up views.
View from the mirador over some of the stone remains at Guyabo Ruins National Monument
The nature trail leads north from the entrance and down to the Río Lajitas (the Río Guayabo is in the next valley to the south)
Tigre (jaguar) petroglyph
Sun petroglyph Guyabo Ruins
Cistern
Cistern at Guyabo Ruins National Monument
A diorama in the information center shows life as it might have been at Guyabo
Trails are well defined, well drained and although it would be a little challenging could be negotiated with a stroller or wheelchair
A guide for a group we passed by had pulled this snake from the cane along the trail and was describing the action of its venom
Guyabo Ruins National Monument
On the round about route to Guyabo
Bicycling is very popular in the Turrialba area. The paved roads are mostly excellent for touring and hundreds of kilometers of 4WD roads and single track challenge mountain bikers. Cyclists along the road in front of C.A.T.I.E.
C.A.T.I.E -Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza (Tropical Agriculture Research and Higher Education Center)
Circular saw used in bamboo furniture construction
Handmade bamboo furniture shop
Leaf cutter ant trail
Leaf cutter ants, Zompopos, (Atta sp.)
Leaf cutter ants
Leaf cutter ants, Guyabo Ruins National Monument

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Adventures & Activities - Photos
  • Guayabo National Monument
  • San Gerardo de Dota National Park
  • Lower Savegre & Rafiki
  • Pacuare River Rafting Overnight
  • Pacuare Gilligan’s Island



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